On Saturday, those from Stavros Center for Independent Living are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act at the Amherst Town Common with all kinds of entertainment and crafts displays by people the law is intended to help.
Those taking the stage include Ayisha Knight-Shaw, a poet who’s deaf whose main language is American Sign Language and Chris Burke with his band Joe and John DeMasi. Burke played Charles “Corky” Thatcher on the ABC-TV show “Life Goes On” and his reoccurring role as Taylor, the angel of faith on the hit CBS-TV show “Touched By An Angel.” Burke has Down syndrome.

Also Los Ciegos del Barrio (The Blind Boys from the ‘hood) and comedian Tom Hayes are all slated to perform on the stage. He lost a leg because of cancer.

More than a dozen artists and craftspeople with disabilities will also be displaying their work. American Sign Language interpreters will be provided for all the entertainment and events.

The theme of the festival is “Celebrating the Promise.”

Janet L. Shaw, director of independent living services, said they’ve had small celebrations over the years to celebrate the law but this “we’re pulling out all the stops. This is a big deal for us. This is going to be fun.”

The festival is free and open to people of all kinds of abilities and disabilities. “Part of what we want to do (is show) there’s nothing to be afraid when you’re dealing with people with disabilities... Have fun and hang out with us.”

She said they’re having lots of events for children as well including a wheelchair obstacle course, wheelchair floor hockey and soccer demonstrations. “I’m so excited,” she said

She said they also have about 15 artisans who will be selling their work from mixed media paintings, to knitted items and digital art. “Hopefully they’ll have the ability to sell their stuff,” she said.

James Kruidenier, executive director for Stavros, said that the festival is also way to demonstrate some of the achievements of people with disabilities.

“With so much pressure coming from budget cuts, it’s important for everyone to understand the rights of people with disabilities and protect them,” he said.

He said this is one group of people in which protecting their rights cost money - from having to install wheelchair ramps to providing American Sign Language interpreters.

But he said as the festival will demonstrate “there’s a whole spectrum of disabilities and ....and they’re a valuable resource. When folks come to see these resources, that’s a very strong thing,” he said.

The festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Food will also be for sale.